Asthma Treatment Doctor in Pasadena and Webster, TX

No one knows exactly what causes asthma. However, certain risk factors have been identified in the development of asthma, which include:

• Genetics — Asthma tends to run in families. For example, if either one of a person’s parents has asthma, they are more likely to develop the condition as well.

• Allergies — Asthma is linked to certain allergies; allergic conditions are linked to people who get asthma.

• Respiratory Infections — Certain respiratory infections have been shown to cause inflammation and damage the lung tissue; if the damage is caused in infancy or early childhood, it can impact lung function long-term and increase the risk of developing asthma.

• Environment — Contact with allergens or certain irritants in early childhood has been linked to developing asthma. In adult-onset asthma, exposure to certain chemicals and dust in the workplace may also play a significant role.

The three types of asthma are:

• Nocturnal Asthma — The most common type of asthma, nocturnal asthma typically presents the most prominent symptoms at night. People with nocturnal asthma may wake up with chest pains, coughing, or wheezing.

• Exercise-Induced Asthma or Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction — In some cases, the physical exertion of patients during exercise can trigger asthma, including the most common symptoms, coughing and wheezing.

• Allergic Asthma/Seasonal Asthma — The most common trigger for allergic asthma is inhaling allergens, which may include dust mites, pet dander, pollen, or mold. Sometimes, allergic asthma may be due to the individual’s occupation, particularly if they work around paint, dust, metal, or gas.

When people with asthma encounter triggers (allergens), the muscles in the airways react by tightening; the lining of the airways swells as the airways fill up with mucus. This makes breathing very difficult and can lead to asthma symptoms or an asthma attack, also known as asthma exacerbations. Symptoms associated with an asthma diagnosis include:

• Persistent or recurring coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Increased mucus production
• Difficulty breathing while exercising
• Sleeping problems

Many treatments for asthma can help people living with the condition lead a normal life. However, if asthma is left untreated, it can develop into serious complications that are much more difficult to treat and can lead to long-term problems. These include:

• Sleep Disturbances — The most common time for asthma symptoms to flare up is during the night, which can lead to sleeping problems.
• Physical Inactivity — People with untreated asthma cannot perform certain exercises as it can cause the symptoms to worsen, leaving them breathless.
• Poor Performance — Uncontrolled asthma can negatively affect daily performance, making it harder to perform simple, everyday tasks.
• Anxiety/Stress — Untreated asthma can cause a great deal of stress, which has far-reaching implications on other facets of health.
• Hospitalization — If asthma is uncontrolled, it is much more likely to lead to more severe attacks requiring hospitalization.
• Lung Damage — If asthma goes untreated for a long, then is aggressively treated with medicines, it can lead to an increased risk of lung scarring.
 
If you or someone you love has asthma, trust the professionals at Primary Care Center of Clear Lake to provide a higher level of care. Contact us today, or book an appointment with our asthma treatment doctor. We have convenient locations to serve you in Webster and Pasadena, TX. We serve patients from Webster TX, Pasadena TX, South Houston TX, Brookwood TX, Seabrook TX, Bacliff TX, and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!